Review #6: Coheed and Cambria - Year of the Black Rainbow

Artist: Coheed and Cambria
Album: Year of the Black Rainbow (2010)
Genre: Progressive Rock
Length: 12 tracks / 53:53

Okay, you got me. I did hear of Coheed and Cambria through Rock Band. I never said I was perfect. Anyway, Year of the Black Rainbow; the newest album and the prequel of the 5 album concept of the Amory Wars. Coheed's had this concept running through all their albums, but even if you're just a casual listener, they have songs that you can enjoy and not even need to know the backstory and that's what's cool about this particular concept. But I must end the blathering; on with the review.

Now this is a much heavier album than the 4 previous releases. Since they've also had a fair few years to hone their craft, it does sound very well done, but the transition from more prog-like to this is a somewhat tough pill to swallow, but I'll force it down any day. Coheed begins the story with this album, but even I haven't studied them enough to give an analysis, nor breakdown for you readers so I won't even attempt. One mainstay from other C&C albums is the symphonic intro that resides on track 1 of every C&C album I've heard, and from there, the rocking begins. And there are sour spots every so often, but this is an enjoyable album from start until finish and is a solid addition to any rock fan's collection.

In my opinion, there are sour notes to this album, and they last 3-5 minutes long each time they arrive. Although they are rare. And while some songs have abrupt shifts to others -anything surrounding, and including, Pearl of the Stars- it still works in C&C's favour and it produces a good album. I may not have had as many favourites as others, but concept albums are harder to find favourites as it's a story in musical form. And whole some may have chapters that they prefer to read, you still have to read the whole thing to truly appreciate the novel; some idea applies to this.

TREVOR'S FAVOURITE SONG: Here We Are Juggernaut
Song 4. Always a popular choice. The clean-up batter in the line-up. Juggernaut is just one of those songs that screams out once you listen to it. From the wacky intro with distorted screams/guitar riffs, to the ever-so-amazing chorus, this song captivates from the first second to it's unfortunate stop 3 minutes and 44 seconds later. To bring back the book analogy, this is like the chapter with my favourite part and it doesn't stop until it's over. Also, I'd recommend watching the music video: it's a great way to see the idea behind the band logo, and what I assume is the beginning action of the tale of Coheed and his wife, Cambria.

RECOMMENDED TRACKS:
The Broken [Track 2]
Here We Are Juggernaut [Track 4]
World of Lines [Track 6]
When Skeletons Live [Track 11]
*Borderline recommendation(s)*
Made Out of Nothing (All That I Am) [Track 8]
In the Flame of Error [Track 10]

Final Grade: 8.4/10 | B
This is a good album, and there's a fair amount of good songs, but getting the full thing depends on how into concept albums you are. If you like hearing the full story, go for it. If not, try it out.